On June 15, 2002, Joey and Rory got married. Joey declared that she didn’t want to be a mother because she didn’t see herself having a child. But after eleven years and a few months, Joey got pregnant with their first baby girl and they named the baby after Joey’s hometown. The baby’s full name is Indiana Boone Feek and they also call her “Indy” for short.
Home Born Baby
Indy was born on February 17, 2014 at 12:03 pm. Joey gave birth with the assistance of a midwife and a birth expert. Given Indy’s case of down syndrome, Rory and Joey dedicated themselves to wholly take care of her. Joey had also planned to home school her. Sadly, Joey’s plans crashed when she was diagnosed with cervical cancer on May 2014, three months after giving birth to Indiana. Joey went through surgery and it was successful but the cancer relapsed in 2015. She passed away on March 4, 2016.
Following the heartbreaking passing of Joey, Indy became the strength and inspiration for Rory. He gave all his best to carry out the role of a mother and father, and in focusing on raising his daughter, their connection grows stronger over the years.
As the youngest Feek grows up, she starts to figure out how to do things on her own. When she was two years old, she tried to put on her shoes and socks. She’s also a huge fan of Disney, so in September 2016, Rory took her for a trip to the Disney World which she enjoyed to the fullest. In fact, one of Indy’s birthday was celebrated with a theme of Disney’s Tangled.
Meet Her Best Friend, Scout
Indy’s best friend named Scout. On some days, they were matching outfit like the Minnie Mouse dresses. Scout’s family and Indy’s were neighbors. Like Indy, Scout was born a special child. She was diagnosed with Loeys-Dietz Syndrome, a genetic disorder of body’s connective-tissue. Scout is twice the age of Indy but she became her first best friend. Scout grew alongside with Indy over the past years. Sadly, Scout passed away at the age of 9 in January 2019.
For You
And Her Favorite Playmate, Ranger
Despite the sad news, Indiana still lives happily. One of her playmates is their dog named Ranger. Joey got Ranger when she lost her recent noble and precious dog, Rufus. Ranger is a shepherd mix and when he was still a cute, lovable, fluffy and clumsy pup, he joined the farm and the Reek family before Indiana was born in 2014.
It took time for Ranger to get close with Indiana. Eventually, they became playmates. At times, Indiana would sleep on Ranger’s bed, making him unhappy. Regardless, they enjoy sharing meals and going to school together. Ranger has always been around Indy since the time Joey passed away. But recently, the family mourned his death. Even with another loss, Indy continues to be happy.
Her Best Dad
As for Rory, his stint with Joey as a country duo had produced some of the most heartfelt songs in the 21st century. Who could forget their 2012 “When I’m Gone” country hit? This was written years before Joey was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. The hit featured a woman, whose days were numbered, delivering a message to her love ones to not grieve much about her passing because she’ll be fine. Nobody could have thought that the unique and touching scenery of that sad song will transpire in just a few years.
Since Joey’s passing, Rory has continued to become a great father, learning his way around single parenting. As Indy grows, Rory’s knowledge of what Indy is capable of amazes him. Despite her condition, Indy’s mental capabilities still sky rockets. But more than that, Rory is happy that his daughter is blessed to have plenty of what she could call as “mother.”
